John Kuhn, city water and wastewater supervisor, said the grant will be used to improve erosion control in the sewage lagoon off Cedar Street and loop dead-end water lines, as well as increase the diameter of water lines.

"The lines are too small to serve the population there," said Kuhn. He said the new six-inch pipes will improve water flow, which in turn will provide better fire protection.

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The grant was awarded after the city had saved $190,000 in matching funds, with help from Rural Development.

To receive the grant, Crab Orchard had to shown need of water system improvements and have specific project plans approved by the grant committee. The city began the lengthy process in 1998.